Chandigarh (Punjab): In a major crackdown, the Punjab Police's Cybercrime Division has arrested one individual and identified 54 suspects linked to the viewing, sharing, and distributing of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on various online platforms.

"The arrested accused is a resident of Ramsra, #Fazilka. Police teams have seized electronic devices following standard procedures, with proper hash values recorded. An FIR has been registered under Section 67B of the IT Act at the Cyber Police Station," posted Director General of Police, Punjab, Gaurav Yadav on Thursday. During the operation, police seized 39 electronic devices from different suspects, which will undergo forensic analysis. The investigation continues as authorities work to dismantle the network involved in these crimes.

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This development follows a recent Supreme Court ruling that clarified the legal consequences of viewing or possessing CSAM, stating that failing to report such content is punishable under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. CSAM includes any material that sexually exploits minors, such as photos and videos, which is illegal to produce, share, or possess. Such acts cause severe and lasting harm to victims.

The arrested suspect has been identified as Vijaypal, a resident of Ramsra in Fazilka. Police have followed standard procedures to seize electronic devices, ensuring proper documentation of evidence. An FIR has been filed under Section 67B of the Information Technology (IT) Act at the Cyber Police Station.

DGP Gaurav Yadav stated that the operation was initiated based on tips about CSAM transmission received from the Ministry of Home Affairs. This special operation aims to catch those involved in these illegal activities. In the first phase, 54 suspects were identified across Punjab, with one person arrested for selling and sharing CSAM through Instagram and Telegram. The DGP added that the police are sending the seized devices for forensic analysis and are actively seeking more offenders.

ADGP Cybercrime, V Neeraja, explained that this operation, led by SP Cybercrime Jashandeep Gill, is part of Punjab's ongoing efforts to combat online child abuse. The operation is still in progress, and more arrests are anticipated in the coming days. Under current laws, viewing, distributing, or storing CSAM is a serious offence, punishable by up to five years in prison and fines of up to Rs 10 lakh.

Punjab Police has established Cyber Crime Police Stations in all 28 districts and Commissionerates, equipped with Cyber Investigation & Technical Support Units (CI & TSUs) to tackle cyber crimes. For assistance or to report CSAM, citizens can reach out to the State Cyber Crime Division or their local District Cyber Crime Police Station.

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